The Toyota Yaris Cross (Japanese: トヨタ・ヤリスクロス, Hepburn: Toyota Yarisu Kurosu) is a nameplate used by the Japanese automaker Toyota for two vehicles in the subcompact crossover SUV category (B-segment). The nameplate first appeared for the crossover SUV counterpart of the XP210 model Yaris based on the Toyota New Global Architecture, which went on sale in August 2020 in Japan and in 2021 in Europe with the model code XP210.
In May 2023, Toyota released another vehicle with the same name in Indonesia, which is larger and based on the Daihatsu New Global Architecture, with the model code AC200.
Primarily marketed for the Japanese, European and Australian markets, the XP210 series Yaris Cross is built on GA-B platform as the XP210 series Yaris hatchback and positioned between the Aygo X or Raize and C-HR in Toyota's crossover SUV lineup. It replaces the Japanese/European market XP110 series Ist/Urban Cruiser.[4][5]
The Yaris Cross was originally planned to be unveiled at the 2020 Geneva Motor Show;[6] however, the show was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[7][8] Toyota then released the first pictures and specifications of the Yaris Cross on 23 April 2020.[2][9] The model went on sale in Japan in September 2020, Australia in November 2020 and in Europe in mid-2021.[10]
Development was done alongside the Yaris hatchback, led by Yasunori Suezawa as chief engineer and Hideaki Hayashi as deputy chief engineer under the internal "Toyota Compact Car Company".[11] The design of the Yaris Cross is a collaboration between Toyota's European and Japanese studios, combining cues from the Yaris with features from Toyota's larger SUVs such as the more angular RAV4. According to Toyota, the Yaris Cross resembles a diamond when viewed from above because of its wider midsection, which allowed the designers to broaden the wheel arches to achieve a more 'rugged' styling. The dashboard design shares many components with the Yaris hatchback.[12] The wheelbase of the Yaris Cross is identical to the European market Yaris, but the ground clearance is increased by 30 mm (1.2 in) over the standard Yaris.[2]
Toyota offers an all-wheel-drive variant (Intelligent All-Wheel Drive, AWD-i) for the hybrid version, unlike other B-segment SUVs which are predominantly front-wheel drive especially in Europe. The system does not require a driveshaft, and instead utilising an electrified rear axle that supplies power during acceleration or when more traction is required. Under the WLTP test cycle, the i-AWD version of the new Yaris Cross emits 135 grams of CO2 per kilometer, and 120 g/km for the front-wheel drive variant.[3]
The Yaris Cross is manufactured in Japan at Toyota Motor East Japan and France at Toyota Motor Manufacturing France, the same as the standard Yaris.[2] The company planned to produce 150,000 units of the Yaris Cross per year in its French factory.[13] The first Yaris Cross rolled out the French factory in July 2021.[14]
In Japan, the Yaris Cross was sold from August 2020 and is available in both petrol and hybrid variants. Four-wheel drive is available as an option and Toyota Safety Sense is standard across the lineup.[15] It was initially available in X, G and Z grade levels. On 19 July 2022, two newer grades were added: GR Sport and Z Adventure.[16][17][18]
The AC200 series Yaris Cross was unveiled in Indonesia on 15 May 2023,[34][32] and started production on 13 June 2023 at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Indonesia facility in Karawang, West Java, for both local and export markets amounting to 25 countries.[35] Indonesian sales commenced on the same date.[36] A total of 116 suppliers contribute up to 80 percent of the local content value, including batteries and engines.[37]
The development of the model was done by Daihatsu through a joint Toyota-Daihatsu internal company known as Emerging-market Compact Car Company (ECC), under the lead of chief engineer Toru Uda. It shares the DNGA-B platform with the AC100 series Vios/Yaris sedan. Uda mentioned that the front section of the platform such as the engine compartment is shared with the Avanza/Veloz, while the under section and wheelbase was reworked.[38] The ground clearance is rated at 210 mm (8.3 in).[39]
In 2020, Toyota introduced the GR Yaris, which is a three-door performance-oriented variant of the XP210 series Yaris using the Gazoo Racing branding. It is built as a homologation model for the FIA World Rally Championship.
The Yaris Cross nameplate is used by two subcompact crossover SUVs. The first model was produced since 2020 for Japan, Europe and Australasia. Designated XP210, the model shares the same TNGA-B platform as the XP210 series Yaris. The second model was produced since 2023 for emerging markets such as Southeast Asia. Designated AC200, the model was developed by Daihatsu and shares the same DNGA-B platform as the AC100 series Vios/Yaris.